Rosy in Roseburg

Take a Summer Vacation to Roseburg in Southern Oregon

Surrounded by the spirited Umpqua River, southern Oregon’s Roseburg is on the map yet off the beaten path. Experience its vibrance and versatility—from historic audio walking tours, where ghosts from the past range from badass to just plain bad, to colorful and inspiring downtown murals depicting local culture. Roseburg is also close to abundant mountain biking and hiking trails. The moderate 3.8-mile Blacktail Ridge Trail is view-tiful, with wildflowers to boot. Then there’s the bountiful Umpqua River, with amazing swim holes, serene spots for tubing, and high velocity sections for a guided rafting adventure.

Mural, Mural on the Wall

Roseburg’s murals are some of the grandest of them all. In 2022 Roseburg embarked on a captivating idea: a mural project depicting the diversity and vibrancy of local culture in the area, created by West Coast–based artists.

Taking up entire walls in places, and a testament to an inclusive community spirit, there’s no cost to visit this outdoor museum: Make it an Art Walk using a helpful map and celebrate the murals throughout Roseburg.

Artist Raymond Argumedo sparked the series by completing his “Daughters of Earth” mural in August of 2022, a confluence of Art Noveau and the nature and myths unique to the Pacific Northwest. Another mural features work by the artist team Rather Severe, whose abstracted plant-scape of local flora has transformed part of downtown into a lush getaway. Other imagery includes creative blends of local culture, animals, and industry.

Experience Roseburg

River of Swim Holes

It’s not just any river … Roseburg’s location within the Umpqua River Valley makes it a perfect destination for exploring the river’s riches. Gorgeous canyon scenery, pocket beaches, refreshing swim spots—there’s all kinds of ways to keep your cool in the river.

There are so many swimming holes to choose from on the Umpqua River, you can likely find one to call your own! Some fun ones to check out are Colliding Rivers and Red Beach. Serene tubing is ideal along many parts, such as Lone Rock to Colliding Rivers. Those who like rapids and velocity should hire a guide and head out on the Class III and IV whitewater of the North Umpqua River.

And don’t miss the ultimate splash for kids: Roseburg’s Fir Grove Splash Pad is guaranteed to keep them cool and entertained.

Roseburg's Outdoors

Mystery and History

Ingredients for a memorable downtown walking tour: interesting history and badass ghosts! Let the Past Come Alive is Roseburg’s Historic Downtown Walking Tour (minimal fee for audio tour). There’s never a dull moment as you journey through time to hear the audio stories of Roseburg residents from days past.

See the millinery shop where a pioneering single mother forged a career as an ambitious hat maker before becoming a doctor, the office where a deceptive dentist became infamous for fraud and a murder, as well as brothels, secret tunnels, and many beautiful historic sites with grand architecture.

Down by the River or Up in the Hills

Lace up the hiking boots or mountain biking shoes—the North Bank Habitat, just 30 minutes from Roseburg, is a boon for both. The 3.8-mile out-and-back moderate Blacktail Ridge Trail has a steep start that rewards with brilliant vistas and wildflowers.

Runners, walkers, and cyclists can enjoy riverfront scenery on the easygoing 3.6-mile out-and-back South Umpqua Riverfront Trail. For a challenge, try the Soggy Bottom Trail at the North Bank Habitat, a 7.7-mile loop for both hikers and mountain bikers. The climbs are hearty, and the views are too!

Explore a Road Trip to Southern Oregon

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View